Lighting Control and how it can deliver ROI

You’re probably aware that switching your bulbs from CFL and halogen to LED can save you huge amounts of energy and significantly reduce costs. But switching your bulbs isn’t the only way to improve the energy efficiency of your lighting.  Upgrading your lighting control systems can also deliver a return on investment. And in large environments – such as factories and warehouses – that ROI can be significant.

Types of lighting control

Before we look into how lighting control systems can deliver a return on investment, let’s look at some of the most common lighting control systems.

Manual control

This is the most basic type of lighting control – a simple switch to turn your light on or off. In spaces with multiple light fittings, you might have several switches, each controlling a different section of lighting.

Dimming

This involves adjusting the brightness of lights to reduce energy usage, which can be done manually or automatically using sensors.

Timers

Timers can be used to turn lights on and off at specific times of the day. Many companies use timers for external lighting, but internal lighting can be controlled with timers too. This can prevent energy from being wasted in rooms where lighting isn’t constantly required.

Occupancy sensors

Occupancy sensors detect movement in a room and automatically turn lights on when someone enters the area. This is useful for areas that are not in constant use, such as toilets, kitchens and storage rooms. The lights will turn off if they don’t detect motion for a set period of time, meaning energy isn’t wasted.

Daylight sensors

Daylight sensors measure the amount of natural light in a room and adjust the artificial lighting to maintain a consistent level of brightness. This can help reduce energy usage during the daytime and throughout the brighter summer months.

Networked lighting controls

This system allows for centralised control of all lighting within a factory. It can also provide real-time data on energy usage, identifying areas where energy can be reduced and savings made.

How a lighting control upgrade can deliver ROI

Many lighting control systems can be installed relatively easily by qualified electricians and don’t involve huge amounts of upheaval or disruption. Some systems can even be retrofitted, meaning you don’t have to upgrade all your light fittings and fixtures. This makes it a cost-effective investment that can deliver a good ROI.

Reduce energy consumption

Effective lighting control will help you reduce your energy consumption (and therefore cost) by making your lighting more efficient. For example, daylight sensors automatically adjust lighting levels based on the amount of natural light in a space, meaning your lighting doesn’t have to work as hard during lighter, brighter days.

Reduce energy waste

Timers and motion sensors reduce the amount of wasted energy by turning lights off when not in use. You also have greater control over which areas are lit up, so you don’t have to light up a whole factory or warehouse when only part of it is in use.

Reduce repair and maintenance costs

Centralised systems can be remotely managed and controlled, reducing the need for on-site maintenance and repair. Plus, by minimising the amount of time your fixtures and bulbs are in use, you will extend their lifespan, meaning you don’t have to replace them as frequently.

Improve safety and comfort for employees

Poor lighting increases the risk of accidents or injuries and can lead to eyestrain and fatigue, meaning increased absenteeism and lower productivity rates. Lighting control systems can improve comfort and safety by providing the right amount of light.

Identify areas for further cost savings

Advanced lighting control systems can provide real-time energy usage data, allowing you to identify areas where further improvements could be made.
Improve green credentials

Lighting control systems can help you create a greener building, reducing your carbon footprint and helping you meet your green targets. This can enhance your brand image and reputation.

The benefits of upgrading to LED lighting

As well as upgrading your lighting controls, it’s worth considering upgrading to low-energy lighting (if you haven’t already).

LED lighting is far more efficient than any other type of lighting, is extremely versatile, and will significantly reduce your energy costs.

In the UK, halogen bulbs have already been banned from general sale for household use, with fluorescent bulbs due to follow suit in September 2023. This is part of the government’s plan to reduce carbon emissions.

Measures such as these mean it’s only a matter of time before older types of lighting become completely obsolete, so it makes sense to make the change sooner rather than later.

Planning your lighting upgrade with AES

If you’re considering upgrading your lighting, AES can help. We’ll assess every aspect of your current lighting design and present our recommendations for where the biggest savings can be made and the greatest ROI achieved. Most manufacturers we work with typically see an ROI within three to five years.

We specialise in working with manufacturers and can take care of the design, installation, testing, inspecting and ongoing maintenance of your lighting systems. We’re also CompEx accredited, meaning we can work in explosive atmospheres (ATEX) and hazardous areas.

Get in touch to book your lighting consultation and find out how much you could save.